It was June 1974, and 17-year-old Sheri Pilkington had her entire life in front of her. Having just graduated from Southeast High, Sheri was enjoying her summer break and looking forward to community college in the fall. Described by friends and family as “funny, compassionate and outgoing,” Sheri possessed a special connection to senior citizens. She understood them and enjoyed their companionship.
Sheri was an active community volunteer, something instilled in her by her faith and family. Her mother, Marietta Pilkington, along with next-door neighbor Mary Booker, were regular Meals on Wheels volunteers. During times when one of the ladies was unable to assist, Sheri stepped in to help deliver.
This was the situation on Thursday, June 13, when Booker and Sheri set out to deliver a Meals on Wheels route. Just as the pair were about to deliver the last two meals, the car Mary was driving was struck by a train and pushed for three blocks. Sheri was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital while Booker died a few hours later.
Sheri’s sister, Karen Pilkington Schmidt, still recalls the shock and sadness of that day. “I was living in Chicago but was on a plane headed to Wichita. I was coming to surprise my grandparents on their 50th anniversary and to give Sheri a graduation present. When I landed, it was our neighbors who picked me up, not my mother. They told me she was at the hospital and that Sheri had been killed.”
Fast forward 50 years to 2024. Inspired by her classmate’s life and premature death, Sheri Dawn Proctor decided to become a Meals on Wheels volunteer. “I think of Sheri every day I’m out delivering meals,” Proctor said. “In high school, there can be a lot of social cliches. If you are not part of certain social groups, you can feel very isolated by your peers. But Sheri Pilkington was a friend to everyone. We all adored her.”
Proctor is a member of the planning committee for her Southeast High class reunions, including last year’s 50th Anniversary Reunion. Other classmates still fondly reminisce about Sheri Pilkington as well.
“Sherri was deeply devoted to the Lord, but she had an ornery side,” said Christy Hall Boyce, her best friend. “She declared we had to do certain things before becoming official graduates. She had us spray paint our initials in the driveway of the parking lot.”
“We also sneaked in the boys’ room and puffed on a cigar. I was so scared we would get caught!”
“Sheri made us both a best buddy card and we both pricked our fingers to sign it in blood. I still have those cards.”
Boyce also remembers the day her “best buddy” died.
“We were supposed to go shopping that day, but Sheri never called. When the phone finally rang, it was her dad who told me she had died. I was devastated.”
The Southeast High School Class of 1974 donated $500 to Meals on Wheels in memory of Pilkington. Last month, a plaque with her picture was hung in the program’s volunteer area, located at 200 S. Walnut.
Boyce reflected on the legacy Sheri left behind.
“When a loved one dies, people are sometimes hesitant to talk about them. When I bumped into Sheri Dawn at the reunion, and she told me she volunteered for Meals on Wheels because of Sheri, I was deeply touched. It warms my heart that she continues to inspire her classmates and friends.”
Schmidt is humbled by her sister’s legacy, too. “Sheri was a special person who lived to serve the Lord and others. To hear her classmates still remember her fondly is beautiful. My parents would be so touched.”
Chris Heiman is Development Director for Senior Services, Inc. This article was originally written for 55 Forward, the Meal on Wheels program’s donor newsletter.
Donations sought
Senior Services, Inc., which operates Meals on Wheels, marked its 56th year of service in November.
Stagnant funding and increased food prices have forced the Meals on Wheels program to reduce service from about 900 deliveries per day to about 800, while a waiting list of 250 seniors in need is maintained. To donate to Meals on Wheels, visit seniorservicesofwichita.com, or call (316) 267-0302, ext. 216, or mail your donation to Senior Services, Inc., 200 S. Walnut, Wichita, KS, 67213.
